Thomas Pocklington Trust launches Listening Month 2026
Thomas Pocklington Trust is launching Listening Month this July and wants to hear from blind and partially sighted people across the UK.
Our work is shaped by lived experience. The views and experiences of blind and partially sighted (BPS) people help guide our policy, campaigning and influencing work, so we can push for a society that is fairer, more inclusive and more accessible.
During July 2026, we are asking BPS people across the country to complete a short 10-minute survey. The survey is a chance to tell us what matters most to you, what barriers you face, and what changes would make the biggest difference to your everyday life.
Listening to local experiences
Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT), are regional groups led by BPS volunteers. We use our lived experience to shape inclusive services, influence decisions, and make accessibility a priority in local communities.
Listening Month is an opportunity for local people to tell us what matters most to them. From transport and public spaces to healthcare and local services, every experience helps us better understand the issues affecting BPS people across the UK.
Alongside TPT’s national survey, Sight Loss Councils will engage with local communities throughout July. The insight gathered will help shape our influencing, engagement, and accessibility work at both a local and national level.
Although Listening Month is only just getting underway, early conversations have highlighted both the positive impact that accessible services can have on independence. They have also revealed the barriers that many people continue to face in everyday life.
Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, said:
“We’re already hearing about a wide range of issues that affect blind and partially sighted people every day. People have spoken about the condition of pavements, overgrown vegetation, accessing information in the right format, and the accessibility of local services.
“We’ve also heard positive feedback about services such as Passenger Assistance, showing the difference accessible services can make to independence and confidence. That’s why it’s so important that as many people as possible share their experiences during Listening Month.”
Matt Harrison, Engagement Manager for East Midlands, said:
“Listening Month provides a valuable opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to engage with Sight Loss Councils and share what matters most to them.
“It gives us the chance to hear directly about the issues that impact their everyday lives, the barriers they face, and the changes they would like to see. It also helps us sense-check that we are focusing on the right priorities and effectively representing the communities we serve.
“Hearing first-hand experiences and receiving direct feedback about the accessibility of local services strengthens our work and helps drive meaningful change. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part and have their say.”
Every response matters. Whether you want to highlight a barrier, share a positive experience or tell us about something that is working well, your feedback will help shape the future work of Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Together, we can ensure the voices of blind and partially sighted people continue to drive change locally and nationally.
Complete the Listening Month 2026 survey here
Join us
Passionate about making a difference? Want to influence positive change? Our Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members. Join us today!
We use our lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Join us to help ensure blind and partially sighted people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
Publication date: 30 June 2026